1つ欲しい
hitotsu hoshii
In Japanese, "I want one" is expressed as 1つ欲しい (hitotsu hoshii).
This phrase is used to express a desire to possess or obtain a single item.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 欲しい (hoshii) is an adjective used to express a desire for an object.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase polite and suitable for use with strangers or superiors, add です to the end of the phrase to get 1つ欲しいです. To express that you wanted one in the past, change 欲しい to the past tense form 欲しかった, resulting in 1つ欲しかった.
How do you pronounce it?
hitotsu hoshii
Did you know?
- In Japanese, you cannot use 欲しい to express that you want a person or a living thing like a dog. Doing so can sound like you view them as an object to be owned rather than a being with agency.
- The counter 1つ (hitotsu) is part of a native Japanese counting system used for general objects. This system is distinct from the Sino-Japanese system used for numbers in mathematics and dates.
- While 欲しい expresses a desire for an object, it is generally considered impolite to use it when requesting something directly from another person. In those cases, speakers use ください to avoid sounding too demanding or greedy.
Examples in context
- 新しいスマホが1つ欲しいです。atarashii sumaho ga hitotsu hoshii desu.I want a new smartphone.
- プレゼントを1つ欲しいな。purezento wo hitotsu hoshii na.I want a present.
Example conversation
At a stationery store, Kenta and Himari are looking at pens.
- 陽葵 Himariこのペン、すごく可愛いね。kono pen, sugoku kawaii ne.This pen is really cute.
- 健太 Kenta僕もそのペンが1つ欲しいな。boku mo sono pen ga hitotsu hoshii na.I want one of those pens, too.
- 陽葵 Himariじゃあ、買っていく？jaa, katte iku?Then, are you going to buy it?
- 健太 Kentaうん、買おうと思う。un, kaou to omou.Yeah, I think I will.
